Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a work authorization benefit for F-1 international students. It allows off-campus employment directly related to a student’s major, while still enrolled in their academic program. CPT must be tied to a credit-bearing course in the student’s program of study.
To qualify for CPT, a student must:
Have maintained F-1 status for at least one academic year (9 months) at CSP or another SEVIS-certified school (without a 5+ month gap)
Have an offer of employment directly related to their major (not minor)
Be enrolled in a CPT-authorized course for the term in which CPT is requested
Not be on a break or in-between programs
Not already exceed full-time CPT limits (see below)
Graduate students in programs that require immediate practical training may be eligible without the one academic year rule.
Part-time CPT: 20 hours/week or less (does not affect OPT eligibility)
Full-time CPT: More than 20 hours/week (if used 12+ months, it cancels OPT at that level)
Unpaid internships still require CPT authorization
Students can work remotely; employer must have a U.S. address
CPT can only be authorized during an enrolled term
CPT dates must match the academic calendar
You must receive CPT I-20 before starting work. It cannot be backdated
Extensions are possible only if staying with the same employer and program
SEVP requires that CPT be tied to credit-bearing coursework. At CSP:
Students must register for a CPT or internship course during the CPT term
If the program does not have a required internship course, students must register for a 1-credit elective internship course
If no elective credits remain, students must submit a General Petition for approval
CPT cannot delay graduation
Graduate programs like MS-ITM and MBA require a CPT course each term
CPT must be authorized in SEVIS for each specific job and term
Working more than 20 hours combined (CPT + on-campus work) may be considered full-time by USCIS
Full-time CPT for 12+ months forfeits OPT eligibility at that degree level
Inappropriate CPT jobs (e.g., unrelated or low-skill roles) may jeopardize OPT or H-1B visa eligibility
The letter should include job title, duties, hours/week, start date, and address.
[Log in here with CSP credentials → Control Center]
ISS will coordinate with your academic advisor to verify alignment with your field of study.
ISS will update your SEVIS record and issue your CPT I-20. You must sign the Student Attestation.
If your CPT is paid and you don’t have an SSN, apply using your CPT I-20. [Learn how to apply]
If your employer offers health insurance that qualifies for a CSP waiver, contact ISS by Friday of the first week of classes.
Late waivers will take effect the following term.
Students may also enroll in CSP’s health insurance plan during eligible terms.
Pre-completion OPT is rarely used and only granted when no CPT course exists
Students on pre-completion OPT may only work 20 hours/week during the semester
Talk to ISS if you believe pre-completion OPT is your only option
Unauthorized work or CPT outside the approved conditions can:
Lead to termination of F-1 status
Cancel OPT or H-1B eligibility
Result in denial of future visa applications
CPT must be approved before work begins — retroactive CPT is not permitted
The job must align with your major and academic level
Keep copies of offer letters, I-20s, and CPT course syllabi for future visa or H-1B filings
For questions, contact CSP’s International Student Services (ISS)
The information above is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. For complex immigration needs, consult a licensed U.S. immigration attorney.